ST. PAUL – Measures Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, authored to extend and update a state program which helps farmers manage debt received final legislative approval in an omnibus agriculture policy bill on Sunday.
The Farmer-Lender Mediation program helps farmers renegotiate, restructure, or resolve farm debt. Anderson's legislation provides a two-year extension for the program, through June 30, 2018.
Anderson was successful in carrying House language into the final bill which establishes a 14-person commission to recommend updates for the 30-year-old program that has remained unchanged since its inception. The commission was not included in the Senate's version of the bill, but Anderson said a key breakthrough came when the Department of Agriculture agreed to convene the group at no additional cost.
"That was a very important piece of the puzzle, in my mind," Anderson said. "Much has changed since 1986 and it only makes sense to take a look at how things are functioning so we can provide the best service possible to farmers as they turn to the program for help. The Ag. Department deserves credit for its efforts to help make it happen."
The commission would be comprised of farmers and bankers, along with representation from the University of Minnesota Extension, Farm Business Management and other major farm organizations.
Another key provision establishes the Farm Safety Initiative to analyze farm safety issues. The Department of Agriculture would compile information, including common causes of farm accidents, and form a list of farm safety programs by Oct. 1.
The bill now is in the hands of Gov. Mark Dayton for his anticipated approval.
-30-